I have an '02 Silver Star horse trailer with extended tack, 7' on the short wall and 11' on the long.
It is just too cold to continue camping in a trailer that does not have LQ/insulation on the walls. I eventually intend to add LQ, but just can't do it right now, moneywise.
I am considering adding 3/4" thick foam insulation panels, available at Lowe's. Only problem is, I don't know what kind of glue is safe for the aluminmum skin of my trailer.
The insulation has aluminum backing on each side.
Can anyone suggest the proper glue to use to protect my aluminum trailer and the insulation?
Also, how would a professional installer do the job? What do I need, and what order are things assembled? Is it as simple as gluing foam insulation to the walls between the supports? Do I even need to glue, or can I used special tape to hold the foam board in place by taping them to the supports? Is there a heat barrier that can be added for safety? This insulation says it is flammable... I want this trailer SAFE instead of a death trap if there is ever a fire.
Posted 2006-12-17 7:32 AM (#52564 - in reply to #52550) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Member
Posts: 11
Hi, we insulated our tack room of our aluminum trailer. I found a wonderful resource off this site:
http://todd.redwrench.com/index.htm
We followed what he did very carefully and ended up using aluminum foil duct tape and just taping the panels between the struts. The panels where cut to fit snugly and the tape "sealed the deal".Best of luck!!
Posted 2006-12-17 6:46 PM (#52585 - in reply to #52568) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Veteran
Posts: 254
Location: Dickinson, TX
Just as a follow up... using Dow TUFF-R insulation in the trailer, it does not matter which side of the insulation panel faces into the horse trailer. There is a shinier side and a not-so-shiny side (which has writing on it.) I want that side facing in so that I can see what I have if I ever do another trailer or if I am considering replacement of this with something else later.
Posted 2006-12-20 8:17 PM (#52705 - in reply to #52550) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Booneville, Ar
You could use a bubble wrap insulating you can get a roll at lowes for like 80 dollars. It is the same insulating they use on metal buildings. I would get a pvc pipe tape to hold it up 1 roll should do the walls and roof and it is a lot cleaner. My friend did his 3 horse trailer and with a small space heater keeps it really warm. I think it is better insulation then the foam.
Posted 2006-12-22 12:20 AM (#52757 - in reply to #52550) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Member
Posts: 8
Location: California
I've already put the foam insulation in and have covered the walls, but want a "ceiling" so the alum beams won't sweat. But I will check it out. Thanks...
Posted 2006-12-23 8:06 PM (#52805 - in reply to #52705) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Veteran
Posts: 254
Location: Dickinson, TX
2 questions
1) Does anyone have a name or any identifying information for the bubble wrap insulation? I'm trying to find it tonight on Lowe's website, but can't find it without more information. Searching on "bubble wrap" doesn't help.
2) Lowe's only goes up to 3/4 inch insulation here in central SC, at least as far as what is in stock. How do I know if this is adequate? I've read most folks are using 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch foam insulation. I've seen one person using 1.5" insulation, which would line up flush with my existing vertical studs. I've already installed the 3/4" stuff all the way around so ripping it out for the 1.5" stuff would be a pain (and costly). I'd rather just stick with one layer of the 3/4" stuff unless that is not adequate. Thoughts?
Posted 2006-12-24 4:42 PM (#52826 - in reply to #52805) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Veteran
Posts: 254
Location: Dickinson, TX
I found the bubble wrap! Now for another question... does the bubble wrap have to be doubled up on itself? Will that help?
I only bought one 25' roll, which will fit widthwise into the space in the upper corner of the trailer nicely, even if I double it up before stuffing it into the space. Only issue is that I'll have to buy another roll of the stuff to do the whole trailer. No big deal.
One big issue that is actually keeping me from starting... ALL the 12 volt electrical lines for brakes/signals/lights run in that area and they are NOT in conduit. I thought Silver Star had full conduit throughout--at least I was under that impression when I ordered my trailer 4 years ago. Can I install this insulation into that area without worry, or must I conduit the whole mess before adding the insulation. The insulation is aluminum foil on the outside... so probably quite conductive should a wire ever lose its insulation.
Posted 2006-12-25 7:55 AM (#52841 - in reply to #52550) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Elite Veteran
Posts: 824
Location: Kansas
For future reference, although I see you have started your project, the bubble wrap insulation can also be ordered in various sizes through farmtek.com
Posted 2006-12-26 1:28 PM (#52870 - in reply to #52826) Subject: RE: Insulating trailer--HELP
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 524
Location: Lone Oak, Tx
Hi Mike,
In my opinion, I would go ahead and get some of the plastic wire loom that you slip the wire in and use that. Anything is better than nothing, especially when they are bare wires. I used it throughout my trailer. It's not terribly expensive.